Revit Book available from Autodesk Press

[Scott D Davis]

I wanted to let everyone know that there is a new book available for Revit, called Introducing and Implementing Autodesk® Revit®, which has been published by Autodesk Press. This book covers up to Revit 6.1, and should be a great source for those trying to learn Revit, or even for the more experienced user trying to sharpen their skills.

I have not received my copy yet, but I'm wondering if anyone else knew it was available, and also if anyone has received a copy yet.

Here's the link for more info on the book: Click Me! (http://www.delmarlearning.com/Browse_CatalogDetail.asp?XXID=11963&ISBN=1401850499)

[Roger Evans]

Thanks for the link

Can you get signed copies by authors?

[Roger Evans]

Just had a thought (happens sometimes by accident)

Is there anyone out there preparing AVI Demos / Tutorials?

I've said it before but it bears repeating ~ I think avi's are one of the best learning methods available ~ especially at ground level course work and specific problem learning ~ I find being visual they stick in the memory better & so the whole learning process becomes quicker & more enjoyable.

I believe this would encourage everyone & result in a greatly increased take up of Revit internationally.

So if there is anyone out there working on this please let us know.

[christopher.zoog51272]

Just had a thought (happens sometimes by accident)

Is there anyone out there preparing AVI Demos / Tutorials?

I've said it before but it bears repeating ~ I think avi's are one of the best learning methods available ~ especially at ground level course work and specific problem learning ~ I find being visual they stick in the memory better & so the whole learning process becomes quicker & more enjoyable.

I believe this would encourage everyone & result in a greatly increased take up of Revit internationally.

So if there is anyone out there working on this please let us know. i've been working on some, on and off (mostly off) for a while.... but we're not allowed to self promote around here.... so actually I havn't been ;)

Congrats on the book JB, can't wait to read it!

[jbalding48677]

Congrats on the book JB, can't wait to read it!

Thanks Zoog, it's been a long haul.

FYI - The first printing of the book, the appendix was omitted, there are 10 blank pages at the end where the appendix was supposed to be. (Good for notes I suppose) If you have purchased the book and would like to read it, I have posted the appendix here and Chris Fox will be posting it to his web site soon:

http://www.archimagecad.com/

Also, the title says "Introducing...” but be warned this book dives into the deep end pretty quickly and is rated as an intermediate-advanced user level

[jbalding48677]

Can you get signed copies by authors?

Roger -

There has not been any formal plans for Chris or I to sign books. I will say, and I think I speak for Chris (Lay) too, we would be both honored and flattered to sign any of the copies. I see that you are in the UK, I come over 2-3 times a year to our London office and perhaps we could get together.

If that doesn't work out, I know that Chris and I will be at AU this year and you could always hunt us down there, if you can talk someone into paying for the trip ;)

Thanks -

[funkman]

Jim,

congratulations on the book. I downloaded the appendix - it appears to be setout well - this section anyway! And I have three questions:

1. Is the book in metric as well?
2. Do you cover worksets in detail? and
3. Is it available for international delivery?

[mlgatzke]

I got my copy a couple of days ago, but I don't count.

[jbalding48677]

Jim,

congratulations on the book. I downloaded the appendix - it appears to be setout well - this section anyway! And I have three questions:

1. Is the book in metric as well?
2. Do you cover worksets in detail? and
3. Is it available for international delivery?

Thank you Funkman -

1. Unfortunately it was written for Imperial units. For the record, I prefer metric ;)
2. Cover worksets - yes. In detail - that is a subjective issue. I will say that chapter 5 is titled Multiple Users.
3. I don't know, I did a quick check on Google for Amazon in Australia and found:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/596190/103-8179670-4311825

HTH -

[jbalding48677]

I got my copy a couple of days ago, but I don't count.

Was the appendix in yours?

[BillyGrey]

Jim, ya got an honest face (in your avatar anyway :) )
So I'm gonna buy your book...

Congrats matey.

I am really looking forward to reading it.

(I hope you get a vacation soon.)

Bill

[MikeJarosz]

I looked up the ISBN number at Amazon and it indicates the title is Revit 5.5, coming in August 2004. Obviously a mistake?

[jbalding48677]

I looked up the ISBN number at Amazon and it indicates the title is Revit 5.5, coming in August 2004. Obviously a mistake?

Yes, it is available now and it was rewritten to cover up though 6.1

[mlgatzke]

Was the appendix in yours?
Nope. I would assume that the appendix was supposed to start on page 476 - that's where the blank pages begin. Ooops.

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you, I'd left my book at work and just looked in it this morning.

[jbalding48677]

Chris and I would like to publicly thank all those that have contributed to getting this book to print. As the list is long, I have attached the "Acknowledgements" portion of the book here.

Thanks to all of those mentioned and if you have been posting to Zoog for a while, thanks to you too, as we both gained much insight from all of the posts and answers there.

[scramer.70520]

I checked out the webpage linked, and the cover image appears to say "Revit 5.5" - just wanted to make sure it really does include 6.1 features before getting a copy. Thanks for the tips!

(Just saw the rest of the strand, sorry for the repeat!)

[mlgatzke]

It appears to cover 6.0, but I don't know if there's enough of a difference between 6.0 and 6.1 in the material covered to make enough of a difference.

[rhys]

Just recieved a response to my order from Thompson Publishing.
Its "temporarily out of stock" must have sold well then.

[Paul P.]

Rhys, I've just received exactly the same reply as you.

[jbalding48677]

Hmmm. I noticed that you both are in the UK. I am wondering if it is an international issue or they are in fact out. I will ask around. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

[Arnel Aguel]

Hi Jim I can't seem to open you pdf appendix file some error or something. What's in the appendix?

By the way, just ordered the book and its on the way.

[jbalding48677]

Just recieved a response to my order from Thompson Publishing.
Its "temporarily out of stock" must have sold well then.

I spoke to the publisher and they have plenty in stock and they are not sure why you would get a message like that. All I can suggest is that you try again.

[jbalding48677]

Hi Jim I can't seem to open you pdf appendix file some error or something. What's in the appendix?

By the way, just ordered the book and its on the way.

What kind of error are you getting? Has anyone else experienced this? What version of Acrobat Reader are you using?

When the book arrives, by all means let me know what you think. Bear in mind that I am an architect first... ;)

[Arnel Aguel]

What version of Acrobat Reader are you using?

I'm using version 4.

[beegee]

I'm using version 4.
Try upgrading to the latest version 6.0 ( free reader download .)

[Arnel Aguel]

Got it now. Thanks Beegee

[Scott D Davis]

Since I was away on vacation last week, I figured to come back and hear people talking about the book. Has anyone received it yet? How many have ordered it?

I'm still waiting for my copy!

Post your reviews here!

[jbalding48677]

Post your reviews here!

Be gentle please!!!

[BomberAIA]

As soon as I heard about it on this site , I ordered it. Mine was shipped on last Friday. I'll let you know when I receive it.

[muttlieb]

My copy just arrived. Just the right timing for me since I've just started learning Revit in the last week or so.

[Archimac]

I just got mine. At a quick glance it seems like it is geared more toward a reader who already knows Revit and wants to 'Introduce and implement Revit' to others and in an office. I am dissapointed since I need a detailed introductory book.

I will read more in it and post more if my opinion changes. I probably need to get CDV Systems Inroductory book and read it first. The CDV 6.1 is not out yet.

[Scott D Davis]

as JB stated earlier in this thread, this is not a 'beginner' level book, and was geared toward the intermediate to advanced users.

[jbalding48677]

Scott is right; we felt that the book should be written above and beyond the information found in the tutorials. That is why it was rated intermediate to advanced. We feel pretty good about the topics and information we presented, but you all are the real judges. Let us know what you think.

Per your comment, "I am dissapointed since I need a detailed introductory book". I would recommend the tutorials found in Revit, "at no additional charge" ;)


Thanks -

[Merlin]

JB,
I am a "beginner" REVIT user (our office gave me a copy to evaluate a couple of months ago....no official training until a basics course a couple of weeks ago) and my thoughts on such a book would be to aim it at the intermediate/advanced users.

To me the basics are taught well through REVIT's HELP/TUTORIAL menus and are really kind of obvious anyway. It's the variations and intricacies that I need to know. Most 3D modelling software can do the general building/construction models and some fail to be able to vary from the "standard building constraints". But Architects need to know how to do the "Out-of-the-ordinary" stuff in 3D modelling software because that's what Architects do!...(just ask any complaining builder!) So I'm looking forward to getting a copy. It sounds like it's just what I need.

good luck with it,
John Mc

[Arnel Aguel]

Jim my brother in D.C. already received the book and he's sending the book to me here in the Philippines but I still have to wait for another week or so.

Just can't wait to get hold of that book. Any insight from early readers?

[BomberAIA]

I will receive my book today, it's out for delivery.

[BillyGrey]

I received mine yesterday...
Breezed through the basics.
Onto the advanced topics tonight .

The writing style is very clear, consise, easily understood, and word friendly.
That is very important in any manual.

Nice work Jim B. and L.C.F. :)

[jbalding48677]

I received mine yesterday...
Breezed through the basics.
Onto the advanced topics tonight .

The writing style is very clear, consise, easily understood, and word friendly.
That is very important in any manual.

Nice work Jim B. and L.C.F. :)

Thanks for the kind words, be sure and let us know what you think. We are thinking about the next one already. Not that I am ready to dive into it again...

[Damo]

We are thinking about the next one already. I understand that the current book is Imperial. Could I ask that (a) there is an International reprint in Metric, and / or (b) the next book has Imperial & Metric side-by-side.

[jbalding48677]

I understand that the current book is Imperial. Could I ask that (a) there is an International reprint in Metric, and / or (b) the next book has Imperial & Metric side-by-side.

That has been requested by most outside the US. I have said it before and I'll say it again, I like metric way better than imperial ;) I will throw that suggestion into the ring and we will see what comes of it. Of course you realize it literally doubles our work ;)

[Steve_Stafford]

Jim...it's 25.4 times the work...:p

[jbalding48677]

That's actually very funny... And probably more accurate.

[BomberAIA]

I got my book ysterday and started to look at it today. I already learned something new today and applied it to my project. Great job!

[Scott D Davis]

So share with us! What did you learn??

[BomberAIA]

I will, I don't have time now.

[BillyGrey]

c'mon....25.4 words or less

[BomberAIA]

What I learned was about Schedule Keys. I'm still trying to fiqure out how they differ from Finish Schedules. I never used a Schedule Key before. As soon as I fiqure out the use I will reprot back. I will go through the book today to tweak my Revit knowledge and let everyone know if there is anything interesting.

[mlgatzke]

Jim...it's 25.4 times the work...:p

Steve, it could be 2.54 times the work. It all depends on the units. See, it's not as bad as you're making it out to be. You've got to quit looking at this pessimistically.

Some say the glass is half empty. Others say the glass is half full. I say the glass is twice as big as it needs to be ;-)

Honestly, I haven't had a chance to look through the finished product. I'm busy trying to finish out the semester. I intend to have a look through it over our semester break.

By the way, Jim, I enjoyed the "Jim and Chris" show last year. You guys had a GREAT format. It kept ALL of our interest for the entire time. However, is the "Jim and Chris" show going to have a different Chris this year?

[jbalding48677]

By the way, Jim, I enjoyed the "Jim and Chris" show last year. You guys had a GREAT format. It kept ALL of our interest for the entire time. However, is the "Jim and Chris" show going to have a different Chris this year?

In a word NO. The only thing that has changed is the title from "New CAD on the Block" to "Revit B to Z". We will be making some chages to the content and slight modifications to the delivery.

Look for it in the upcoming AU catalog...

[christopher.zoog51272]

I like that title... catchy ;)

[cliff collins]

To Jim:

Great book!--ordered it almost a year ago from Amazon .com., and happily found it
at my door last week. We are currntly implementing Revit into our office, so the new book will be a nice addition to Cyril Verley's books and Chris' 1st book.

Unfortunately, my copy is missing Appendix A--- all that Revit Implementation
stuff! I wondered if anyone else had this same problem?

I need to know how to get a new copy--- as Autodesk Press is the publisher--
so far I have not been able to find a contact there to help.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Cliff Collins

[Scott D Davis]

I have merge two threads with almost identical titles regarding the book. In the original, JB posted the missing Appendix A as a PDF file, as well as the acknowledgements section. These sections can now be found in this thread in the responses.

[TroyGates]

I ordered the book last week on Amazon and received today. FYI, it is still missing the Appendix.The book goes from page 443 to 455. No prob since we have downloads here.

Looking forward to reading it over the next few days.

[Scott D Davis]

My understanding is the 'first print' was missing Appendix A. Once those are sold out, and the 'second printing' occurs, the ommision will be corrected.

[jbalding48677]

My understanding is the 'first print' was missing Appendix A. Once those are sold out, and the 'second printing' occurs, the ommision will be corrected.

Scott -

You are correct. I guess I should ask about the sales to date...

[Danny Polkinhorn]

I guess I should ask about the sales to date...
especially since you're getting those FAT royalty checks. ;-)

[jbalding48677]

especially since you're getting those FAT royalty checks. ;-)

They must be too fat for the postman to deliver, cause I haven't seen anything yet!!!

(Oops, I edited your last post instead of quoting :P )

[Beth Powell]

All my searches for that ISBN number came up with a 5.5 book. Must be some sort of error. Would like to get a copy ASAP.

And I insist that it be autographed! :)

[Beth Powell]

The description doesn't say it's for 5.5 and I suspect it's not, but from squinting at the book cover photo, it looks like it only has Chris's name and says 5.5.

[jbalding48677]

The description doesn't say it's for 5.5 and I suspect it's not, but from squinting at the book cover photo, it looks like it only has Chris's name and says 5.5.

Beth, et al. -

The cover shot (which will be the death of me) was produced way before any text was written. I was added to the team soon after the table of contents was outlined. The cover shot has not been replaced with the final version. This book was written during the 5.0/5.1 days and updated to include 6.1.

Hope that helps...

[jbalding48677]

The description doesn't say it's for 5.5 and I suspect it's not, but from squinting at the book cover photo, it looks like it only has Chris's name and says 5.5.

Here is the latest cover:

[Roger Evans]

Streuth .. what's the model of Jim?

[jbalding48677]

Unfortunetly, it is not a model it is the Citi Corp building in NY.

http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Citicorp_Center.html

[Beth Powell]

Thanks for the info. You should be rich very soon as I just hosted my first Revit Workshop and recommended the book to everyone!

[Scott D Davis]

JB,

Gonna set up a book signing table at AU?

[dla]

Thanks Zoog, it's been a long haul.

FYI - The first printing of the book, the appendix was omitted, there are 10 blank pages at the end where the appendix was supposed to be. (Good for notes I suppose) If you have purchased the book and would like to read it, I have posted the appendix here and Chris Fox will be posting it to his web site soon:

http://www.archimagecad.com/

Also, the title says "Introducing...” but be warned this book dives into the deep end pretty quickly and is rated as an intermediate-advanced user level

Jim,
I can not open the atachement (appendix A). Any sugestion?
Thanks,
Daniel

[beegee]

Jim,
I can not open the atachement (appendix A). Any sugestion?
Thanks,
Daniel
Are you using the latest version of Acrobat Reader ?

[jbalding48677]

Jim,
I can not open the atachement (appendix A). Any sugestion?
Thanks,
Daniel

There are some security features on the PDF and they require 5.0 or later to open. You may want to update your acrobat reader as beegee suggests.

[Scott D Davis]

By now, some one must have received their book! I would love to hear a review, post some comments, etc.

My company, well, I have to go double-check that they were ordered! They were going to do it two weeks ago! (If you want things done right, sometimes you gotta do it yourself!) I haven't seen them come in yet.....

[jbalding48677]

... You should be rich very soon...

If only that were true... Thanks for the recommendation Beth.

[dg]

I got mine last week from Computer Manuals ( www.compman.co.uk ) - next day delivery and free p&p - highly recommended.
It does not have the appendices previously mentioned.

Anyway, first impressions are that the cover and pages are a bit thin - I hope they stand up to frequent flicking through.

I will be reading through it over the next two weeks, along with the Revit tutorials and help file, which sit over 200mm high ( that's 8" in the book's terms, lol) here on my desk.

The title is a bit misleading, as it is not an introduction to Revit, but it is about introducing it to the workplace. However, with a little knowledge of Revit the text is easy to understand and follow.

I'll let you know how I get on

[jbalding48677]

Anyway, first impressions are that the cover and pages are a bit thin - I hope they stand up to frequent flicking through.

I noticed that too, however they are not all that different from some of the other manuals put out by Autodesk Press, at least the few at my desk.


The title is a bit misleading, as it is not an introduction to Revit, but it is about introducing it to the workplace. However, with a little knowledge of Revit the text is easy to understand and follow.

Agreed, this book is positioned to fall exactly in line with what you are doing, tutorials and help files to get aquanted and then the book.

Good luck with it and be patient you will be exposed to some advanced stuff early in the text.